ITV viewers turn off Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters and brand show 'unwatchable'

ITV's latest foray into celebrity reality TV, SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters, has made a splash, but perhaps not quite in the way the network had hoped.

The new series, which premiered on ITV1 on Monday, 14th July, follows a group of seven celebrities - including Sir Lenny Henry, Helen George, and Lucy Punch - as they embark on a diving expedition with shark experts in the Bahamas.

The show aims to challenge the stars' perceptions of sharks, encouraging them to appreciate these marine animals in their natural habitat. However, despite its unique premise and star-studded lineup, SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters failed to win over many viewers, reports the Express.

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Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with some even threatening to switch off the programme altogether.

Criticisms ranged from the show being "unwatchable" to concerns that it was "far too dangerous" for broadcast.

On Twitter, one viewer proclaimed: "Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is single proof that television is at an all time pointless low. #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters," another disgruntled viewer chimed in, saying: "This is pretty much unwatchable because there's one celebrity on there who wants the entire programme to be about 'me me me'."

One television viewer said: "Helen George on Celeb Shark programme. Annoying. Dont go on it. Thats it for me. Cant believe Im turning off a programme that has Rachel Riley on it."

Another individual echoed similar sentiments and called for ITV to discontinue the program, citing safety concerns: "This celebrity shark thing shouldn't be shown its far too dangerous one of them have already been bit! @ITV stop showing this now! This can cause panic attacks."

However, some people shared a more positive viewing experience, with one writing: "I enjoyed SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters more than I thought I would," and another adding, "Shark! Celebrity infested waters is amazing!! How beautiful those sharks look and the sea is incredible."

This latest offering from ITV, tied to the 50th anniversary of the iconic film JAWS, has divided viewers, including its own contestants. Speaking before the show debuted, Ross shared, "When I first heard about it, I thought it was a wind-up," while Rachel Riley described it as "the chance of a lifetime."

Summarizing her experience on the show, actress Lucy said, "While it was incredible, I don't think I'll ever do shark diving again."